Kaye Anstey, Integrated Asset Readiness Planner

Describe your work on Shell’s Prelude Project

I currently work for Shell Australia in the Prelude Integrated Asset Readiness Team. The team supports planning for multiple functions and teams delivering Asset Readiness, Business Readiness, Operations Readiness and Commissioning and Start Up (CSU) Management across multiple locations. We have used planning theory and methodology to create unique fit for purpose schedule structure and reporting. This reporting provides schedule control to multi-disciplinary teams working towards multiple shared objectives.

What do you enjoy about your current role and what’s the most exciting thing you have been involved in so far?

The most enjoyable part of the role is interfacing with a large range of people across different disciplines, from Operations, Engineering, External Communications, Real Estate, Business Readiness, Finance, Production, Contracts and Procurement, and Maintenance. I enjoy the fact that it is the Integration Asset Readiness team that provides the information that will guide management in delivering the asset scope in time for the operations phase.

The most exciting event so far was standing on the quay side in Geoje in front of the facility and truly understanding the scale of Prelude for the first time, quickly followed by a tour of the facility. Although visiting the facility was exciting, what is truly exciting is being part of the team that is behind delivering the people, processes, tools and infrastructure required to receive and operate the Prelude facility.

Describe what makes Shell and the Prelude project unique?

The newness of FLNG makes the Prelude project unique. Shell cannot recruit people with ‘x’ number of years’ experience in FLNG as it has not been done before. This generates a unique opportunity for individuals from a number of different backgrounds to join Shell Australia. When the next FLNG project is recruiting there will be people out there with FLNG experience; this is the chance to be one of those people.

I have found Shell unique in its support of inclusiveness and diversity. Shell has been noted as one of the preferred employees for female graduates and as a female working for Shell I can see why. They provide an inclusive working environment; there is a good support network which includes a number of senior staff with ongoing learning sessions, mentoring and other programs.

How has Shell supported you professionally and personally?

Shell has provided me with a challenging role which I have used as a platform to grow as a planner and as an individual. With the competency development and assessment that is provided in the Project Services skill pool I can identify and develop a clear career path which I can then achieve. The competency assessment allows you to identify skill areas where you have gaps, providing a clear learning plan underpinned by online, face-to-face and on the job training.

Shell’s Employee Value Package has really helped personally with work life balance. Whether I need to attend personal matters or just need to hit the gym, Shell provides the flexibility to achieve this. I understand as a Shell employee that I am here to deliver certain work to certain timescales to an expected quality, but at the same time I have the flexibility of when and where I will deliver the work. I have not come across many organisations where this actually happens as it does in Shell.

Why should others apply to work on the Prelude project?

Prelude is a unique opportunity to not only join a great company but to be on a project that contains a number of world firsts. It has a buzz about it that is felt not only internally but also externally. On a recent trip back to see family in New Zealand I was asked regularly about the Prelude project, with many already having viewed the YouTube videos. I was proud to be able to provide a firsthand account of what it is actually like to walk around the facility.

It is exciting to be part of Prelude and to see this ‘first ‘FLNG project developed. Prelude may be Shell’s first deployment of its FLNG technology, but there will be other FLNG projects to come, so being on this project will definitely help with project prospects in the future.

What’s your advice to others applying to Shell and the oil and gas industry?

Take this opportunity and join Shell Australia on their journey. Learn as much as you can and develop your own experience. The majority of people I work with have been with Shell a long time and have a wealth of knowledge across the oil and gas industry. Many are more than happy to share their stories, explain the detail and walk through the hydrocarbon processes.

Prior to working in oil and gas I worked in the telecommunications industry. At first the industry and terminology seemed daunting, but I was made to feel welcome and was provided the support and resources to learn about the industry while gaining knowledge